News

MAKEbhm

September 15, 2018

“If you build it, they will come,” says Kevin Costner’s character in “Field of Dreams.” Indeed they came when ArchitectureWorks Lead Architect Bruce Lanier built MAKEbhm, turning a former warehouse into studio and production space for others to build – everything from woodworking and printmaking to metal craft and ceramics.

Located in the Avondale neighborhood of Birmingham, MAKEbhm provides studio space, production facilities and classes in a 22,000 square-foot multi-use development that also houses retail space and offices. Along with professional-grade studios, a 4,000-square -foot co-working space is available for graphic designers, architects, journalists and attorneys.

A second MAKEbhm location is set to open in 2019, a few blocks away on First Avenue South, says Chris Izor, MAKEbhm director of operations.

The idea for MAKEbhm was born out of Lanier’s need to find space for his woodworking equipment. Turns out other people also needed workspace, equipment and a place to join forces with other “makers.”

Renovating the warehouse that houses MAKEbhm was achieved on a limited budget. The result is a functional, spare and authentic. Practical materials such as pre-finished plywood and artificial turf were used to be both serviceable and playful.

Storage racks for lumber and a large gallery wall provide organizational elements for the foyer and multi-use space by separating public and private areas. Air circulates with large fans and solar tubes bring in natural daylight. Also featured is a 60 kW rooftop solar array that at the time of installation in 2017 was the largest non-utility-owned array in the region.